The oldest son has told his mother and me that he wants to go to Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado. Anyone know anything about this school? Also, we’re thinking about buying a condo for him to live in. Would appreciate any feedback anyone has on the Boulder area in terms of good places to live. Naropa is right near the University of Colorado. Thanks.
Naropa is a unique kind of institution. I think it is the only Buddhist college in the US. Their courses are different and you have appreciate where the univesity is coming from to be comfortable there.
In terms of Boulder real estate, most students want to live in central Boulder, and pricing reflects that. Also, most of the real estate investors that I know don’t think that there would be a lot of appreciation in Boulder real estate for at least the next several years. Having said that, the town is pretty small (100,000 people), so there are lots of good places to live that aren’t too far away from the campus. Boulder also has good bus service and is an easy place in which to bicycle. It all depends on what your son is interested in and what your budget is.
Jeff
Boulder, CO
Jeff, thanks for the feedback. My son is a unique kind of person so this school may suit him well. He’s very into Kerouac and Ginsberg, but not really Buddhism. Is Boulder divided into neighborhoods, shopping areas, downtown area, tourist areas? Any tips on good places to eat, must see sights? We’ll probably be visiting some time in September. Flying into Denver and renting a car.
Thinking of purchasing something as an alternative to paying his rent for a couple of years. Also could be a vacation home for me and the wife. Could use the tax write-off, though some appreciation would be nice. Do you know if many U. of Co. students live off campus?
Yes to all of the questions. The Pearl Street Mall is the primary tourist and shopping area, and University Hill is another shopping area close to the CU campus. Everything else is mostly residential, but there are commercial areas spread around town, and one of the main streets (28th Street) is all strip malls. There are some big CU dorms, but lots of students live off campus.
Most of the attraction of living here, imo, is access to the outdoors. We are next to the mountains and close to some of the best skiing in the world (1:40 to Vail). All of the must see sights relate to the outdoors. The weather here is almost always sunny, but September is one of the best times to visit.
I have lots of specific suggestions for places to eat and things to do. Let me know what you are interested in.
Thanks again. My son doesn’t eat beef or pork so BBQ is out, though it’s my favorite. We both love Thai/asian food and pizza. Any suggestions would be appreciated. We both also love music, the harder the better for him. Any live music venues? I’m open to most types except for country.
I am sure Jeff can give you a list of great places. Boulder is a great place for music and food. Many places to get real food as opposed to chain food, although you can do that too. I think you son will love Boulder, especially if he likes to be outside. The one thing about Boulder is there are all types of people who live there.
Bad news. It all depends on what you are used to, but Asian food and pizza are not Boulder’s strong points. Given his food interests, I’d recommend the Med, which has good Mediterranean food and decent appetizer-sized pizzas, and Sunflower, which is great for gourmet organic and natural dishes. There is also Brasserie 1010 (French) and Mateo’s (eclectic) near the Pearl Street Mall, and the Full Moon Grill, which has outstanding food but is a little away from the Mall. There are lots of other good choices as well.
For music, I can’t help much with clubs, but Boulder has the Boulder Theater and the Fox Theater, which both book some pretty good stuff. It’s worth checking out the local paper (The Daily Camera) online for the schedules.
Hope that helps.
Jeff
What about The Sink?
pizza + beer = good
Many thanks Jeff. You’ve been very helpful.
Okay, You better get ready to welcome a “bean sprout / Mountain goat” into the family. Cosmic waves will be at your Thanksgiving & Christmas table!! Good luck to your son & your family. This will be a journey you never knew existed!!
I lived in Boulder from 1974 to 1982 finished high school and finished at CU. The greatest place in the world at the time. I trained rode my bike, climbed did it all, don’t forget all the psychedelics that played a big part.
It is the greatest mix of people from all over that you can imagine in a psuedo mtn town on the front range. We thought all the Naroparites were freaks back then and all the nut cases running around chanting and beating a drum. But I am sure things have changed.
I go back 2 times a year to visit my CRAZY PARENTS WHO STILL LIVE THERE!!
They take everything to extremes from free range chickens to dinner at Chataqua you got to love it. I am back for 2 days and I got to get out of there. especially when I run into friends who are still doing the same thing we did in 1976.
SO GET READY FOR THE FUN ENJOY THE RIDE WITH YOUR SON!
In all a good school, I even thought of taking classes their after a class at CU in world religions.
My son looked at CU, GA TEch for International Business, the big difference was
CU=Peace Corp GA TEch=CIA he has decided on Tech. Probably in 10 yrs this will be all the same kind of soup anyway.
GOODLUCK
I would recommend the Sink, the food is good, but I avoid it except for summertime and school vacatons. I’m a little too old. It’s a Boulder legend though.
There is a place in Boulder, Near the Pearl Street mall that has the best meal I’ve ever had in my life. It’s in a yellow house and it’s called Lucille’s. Cajun breakfasts and lunches. The wait is worth it! A great way to spend a morning. Breakfast at Lucille’s and read an RMN or the Colorado Daily.
Jason